A prenuptial agreement gives you the power to set financial boundaries, protect separate property, and outline responsibilities before you enter a marriage. Whether you're preserving a business, shielding your estate, or clarifying expectations, a properly drafted prenuptial agreement puts essential decisions in writing, so you’re not relying on default laws or verbal understandings.
At TA Law Group, our LA County prenuptial lawyers help couples throughout Beverly Hills, Burbank, Santa Monica, Glendale, Pasadena, and across LA County draft, review, and update prenuptial and postnuptial agreements with precision, protecting what matters most to them.
Call TA Law Group today at (818) 293-4774 to speak directly with a prenuptial lawyer in LA County.
Why Couples in LA County Are Choosing Prenuptial Agreements
LA County is one of the most expensive regions in the U.S., and high living costs come with high-stakes marital planning. From rising real estate values in Sherman Oaks to family-owned businesses in the South Bay, couples are more likely to own property, carry student debt, or enter marriage with complex financial histories.
Under California’s community property laws, assets acquired during marriage are split 50/50 in a divorce, unless a marriage prenuptial agreement says otherwise. That makes it even more critical to define what is separate property and how future income, debts, and inheritances will be treated.
TA Law Group helps couples in LA County address a number of local issues that make prenuptial planning more urgent:
- Real estate pressures: In neighborhoods like Studio City and Manhattan Beach, skyrocketing home prices increase the risk of post-marital property disputes.
- Dual-income scheduling stress: Many couples work long hours or commute across county lines, complicating future parenting arrangements in the event of divorce.
- Court backlog: Delays in the LA County Superior Court can stretch out post-divorce litigation for months. A solid prenuptial agreement avoids getting stuck in that queue.
- Cultural diversity: With international marriages common in areas like Koreatown and Monterey Park, we often create prenuptial agreements that address cross-border inheritance rules or business interests.
- High-net-worth dynamics: In places like Brentwood or Calabasas, clients with investment portfolios or family trusts turn to us to build enforceable marital contracts that reflect complex asset structures.
What a Prenuptial Agreement Can Do
In California, a prenuptial agreement does not merely start the conversation; it can provide significant financial protection. Here's what a well-drafted agreement can accomplish:
- Define which assets are community vs. separate property
- Clarify debt responsibility during the marriage
- Protect ownership of a family business or professional practice
- Preserve separate property for children from a previous relationship
- Reduce the cost and time of litigation during a divorce
- Support long-term estate planning
While it’s not mandatory to hire a prenuptial agreement lawyer to help you draft the agreement, doing so can ensure the agreement meets California Family Code requirements and avoids loopholes that could cause a court to invalidate it later.
What a Prenuptial Agreement Cannot Include
Even a detailed prenup has limits. Courts will not enforce any clause that attempts to achieve any of the following:
- Predetermine child custody or child support obligations
- Waive a party’s parental rights
- Include unlawful or one-sided terms
- Avoid full financial disclosure
Trying to cut corners by drafting an agreement with a generic template often backfires. An experienced prenuptial agreement attorney must carefully review the document to ensure it meets the fairness and consent standards under LA County court rules.
Postnuptial Agreements and Revisions
You can still create a marital contract after you get married. A postnuptial agreement can offer protections similar to a prenuptial agreement, and is especially useful under the following circumstances:
- One spouse leaves the workforce
- You receive a large inheritance
- The marriage relocates to a different state
- You’re combining finances later in life
- You want to update your original prenuptial agreement after having children
We frequently counsel clients on the differences between postnuptial and prenuptial agreements and guide them in updating their documents as their family situations evolve.
Can You Create a Prenuptial Agreement Without a Lawyer?
You can attempt to draft your own marriage prenuptial agreement using a template. But California courts will seriously scrutinize its enforceability. If the document lacks full disclosure, wasn’t signed voluntarily, or appears unfair, it may not hold up when needed.
Our LA County prenuptial agreement attorneys help couples get it right the first time by eliminating guesswork, reducing conflict, and providing peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prenuptial Agreements
What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract a couple signs before marriage to decide how their assets, debts, and financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or death.
When is a prenuptial agreement signed?
It must be signed before the wedding, ideally well in advance. California courts look for a clear, pressure-free timeline between signing the agreement and marriage.
Do I need a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement?
The law does not require you to hire a lawyer to draft the agreement, but we strongly recommend it. A lawyer for prenuptial agreements will help ensure the document is legally valid, balanced, and enforceable in a California court.
What does a prenuptial agreement do?
It outlines how couples will divide their property, debts, income, inheritances, and business interests during or after the marriage.
Why would someone want a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement gives both parties clarity. Couples use them to protect their individual assets, reduce legal costs during divorce, and make sure that any children from prior relationships are provided for.
Does a prenuptial agreement have to be filed with the court?
No. It only needs to be signed, notarized, and retained by both parties. It becomes relevant if a legal issue arises later, such as a divorce or dispute over the couple's estate.
Talk to an LA County Prenuptial Agreement Attorney Today
If you’ve been searching for a prenuptial agreement lawyer near you who understands how LA County courts evaluate marital contracts, you’ve come to the right law firm.
We regularly assist clients across West Hollywood, Culver City, Echo Park, and Woodland Hills who need experienced, responsive legal help. Our law firm handles both straightforward and high-net-worth prenuptial agreements in LA County with both discretion and clarity.
We offer one-on-one consultations to discuss your priorities, draft or review your agreement, and walk you through every requirement.
Call TA Law Group today at (818) 293-4774 to speak directly with an LA prenuptial agreement lawyer. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
